A horrific head-on crash the DPS says was caused by a wrong-way driver on Highway 73 has claimed her life and the life of a woman in the other car.
The DPS responded to the crash at about 9;15 p.m. Saturday, July 4 near the 742 mile marker of State Highway 73, close to Englin Road and just east of State Highway 124.
The DPS says the preliminary crash investigation indicates that 38-year-old Hillary Newton of Port Arthur was driving a 2012 Chrysler passenger car and traveling west, while 45-year-old Blanco Sandino of Port Arthur was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe and traveling east. It is reported that the driver of the Chrysler was traveling west in the eastbound lane and struck the Chevrolet head-on. Both women died at the scene.
There were three passengers in the Chevrolet, identified as a 14-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 12-year-old, They were transported for treatment of suspected serious injuries.
This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is available at this time.